From the ancient Chinese dynasties to British royal rituals, from Ayurvedic medicine to southern front porch gatherings, tea has soothed the soul, sparked revolutions, and brought people together. Whether sipped for health benefits, spiritual clarity, or simple pleasure, tea's legacy is steeped in tradition and timeless impact.
Another great thing about tea is that it allows you to sample, taste, and try flavors from all different cultures. Today, we take a tour around the globe and explore five different teas from five different cultures: Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Thai.
Chinese
The most popular types of Chinese tea are black, green, oolong, pu'erh, white, yellow, and herbal. Although these are all different types of teas, they all hail from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant. How do you get so many different teas from one plant? The processing method is by far the biggest indicator of what type of tea will be produced, while the growing region and varietals are also contributing factors.
One of the most popular types of Chinese tea has to be green tea. This ancient elixir has been touted for its numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice among many. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, drinking green tea may aid in weight loss, help reduce blood sugar, and possibly prevent tooth decay. Enjoy 1-3 cups of green tea a day to reap its benefits, but enjoy plain if you can. If not, a small splash of lemon or honey can add a subtle taste of sweetness. Photo credit: Creative-Family
Indian
Next to China, India is also a top tea producer and boasts a variety of black teas. One of India’s most iconic teas has to be the Masala Chai, which is a spiced tea. Masala Chai tea is a cultural staple of India and is often brewed with milk and sugar as well as a bevy of warming spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Spiced and sweet, Masala Chai tea is a blend of complex flavors that create layers that are aromatic, spicy, and sweet. Other well-known Indian teas include Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri, all known for their distinct flavors and qualities. Photo credit: SStajic
Japanese
There are five types of Japanese teas, which include sencha, genmaicha, hojicha, gyokuro, and probably the most well-known, matcha. Matcha, or powdered green tea, comes from the sencha leaves. The leaves are then steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. This fine powder turns matcha tea into a bright, vibrant shade of green.
According to Harvard Health, matcha has more health benefits than green tea because it is grown in the shade. “This has the effect of boosting the amount of certain phytochemicals (plant chemicals that offer a range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects), antioxidants, and other ingredients it contains compared to other types of green tea.”
Keep in mind that matcha contains caffeine and is higher in caffeine than traditional green tea, but not as high as coffee. Photo credit: Jacob Wackerhausen
Middle Eastern
Middle Eastern teas include a wide variety, such as black tea and Moroccan mint, but one of the most popular Middle Eastern teas is cardamom. Cardamom is known to help aid in digestion, which is why in the Middle East, it is commonly consumed before a meal instead of after. Photo credit: Waqar Hussain
Thailand
Like teas in most eastern cultures, drinking tea is not just a morning thing or an after-dinner treat, it is a way of life. In Thailand, tea is usually enjoyed at any time of the day. Some popular Thai teas are black tea, camomile, and white tea, with black tea being the most popular.
Also known as Cha Dam, Thai black tea is dark in color and has a robust flavor profile that is strong in taste. This tea is often used to make Thailand’s famous Thai iced tea, which is creamy and sweet and also a fan favorite among locals and tourists alike. Photo credit: GeorgiMironi
The next time you go to brew a batch of tea, consider one of these five teas from different cultures that you may never have even thought of before. Each cup of tea you brew is an experience, so…what will your next tea time adventure be and where will it take you?
We suggest that you start your own tea ritual. A hot cup of tea goes great with almost all of our snacks, as well as one of your favorite podcasts. An early morning with a hot cup of tea is the perfect way to start your day. Tea is also a lovely option to add to your self-care rituals that can help you maintain balance and overcome stress. Feeling overwhelmed? Pour yourself a cup of tea.
- Stay Healthy and Happy
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Tag us @itsnolasnacks so we can see all of your favorite teas paired with your favorite It’s NOLA snacks.
